London, UK – The United Kingdom’s economy recorded a meager  growth in the third quarter, according to preliminary figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The slowdown—which comes just before the highly anticipated Autumn Budget—has intensified the debate over the government’s strategy to stimulate economic activity while addressing fiscal challenges. Subdued Economic Performance The $0.1%$ expansion in the July-September period fell short of the $0.2%$ growth expected by economists polled by Reuters and marked a deceleration from the $0.3%$ growth seen in the second quarter. Further compounding the concern, monthly data showed the economy shrank by $0.1%$ in September, following a period of no growth in August (revised down from a previous $0.1%$ expansion). “Growth slowed further in the third quarter of the year with both services and construction weaker than in the previous period. There was also a further contraction in production,” said Liz McKeown, director of Economic Statistics at the ONS. The weakness in production was primarily driven by manufacturing. A significant factor highlighted by the ONS was the cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover, which

High Court Doubts Trump’s Power to Impose Global Tariffs The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments challenging the legality of President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, casting significant doubt on the extent of presidential authority in imposing such taxes. The case has massive implications for the global economy and is a major test of the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government. The Core Dispute: IEEPA and Congressional Power The key focus of the legal challenge is Trump’s unprecedented use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977. This law allows a president to regulate commerce during a national emergency, and Trump invoked it to levy tariffs on nearly every U.S. trading partner, arguing that U.S. trade deficits constituted an “unusual and extraordinary threat.” The Challengers: Businesses affected by the tariffs and 12 U.S. states challenged the administration’s actions, arguing that Trump exceeded his authority. Lower courts had previously ruled in their favor. The Law’s Intent: Liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson suggested that IEEPA was intended to limit, not expand, the president’s emergency powers.

Gold Nosedives 10% from Record Peak on US-China Optimism Gold prices extended their retreat in Asian trading on Tuesday, slipping further below the $4,000 per ounce mark breached in the previous session. The decline is largely attributed to signs of easing U.S.-China trade tensions, which have dampened demand for bullion as a safe-haven asset just ahead of a pivotal Federal Reserve meeting. Spot gold was last down 0.4% at $3,963.6 an ounce by 01:58 ET (05:58 GMT), while U.S. Gold Futures declined 1% to $3,981.59/oz. This marks a sharp correction for the yellow metal, which tumbled over 3% on Monday to an over-two-week low. The recent sell-off has shaved approximately 10% off the record high of $4,381.29/oz reached just one week prior. Trade Optimism Curbs Bullion Demand The steep pullback follows reports that negotiators from Washington and Beijing reached a preliminary trade framework during weekend talks in Kuala Lumpur. This development is seen as a major step toward averting a new round of tariffs and sanctions and could potentially pave the way for a major breakthrough when U.S. President Donald

Geopolitical Tensions and US Economic Headwinds. This article highlights two major unresolved impasses: the US-China trade conflict and the US political gridlock (specifically the federal government shutdown), both acting as significant headwinds for the global and US economies. US-China Trade and Tech Tensions Despite President Trump downplaying a “trade war,” a basis for a deal with China remains elusive ahead of a potential meeting with President Xi. Key points of contention include:   Technology “Chokehold”: The US is unlikely to ease restrictions on advanced semiconductor technology or allow loopholes for sanctioned Chinese companies. Chinese Export Controls: Beijing appears unwilling to drop export licensing for rare earths, processing technology, and EV battery technology.Trade Barriers: Neither side seems prepared to backtrack on existing port fees levied on the other. The collapse of the “fragile and tentative trade truce” is anticipated to increase the average effective US tariff by 8-13 percentage points, which the market views as a clear headwind for the US economy. Renewed Credit Fears and CRE Exposure Recent events have brought late-cycle credit fears back to the forefront, with the Commercial

Inflation Threat Looms: Powell Signals Fed’s Vigilance Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has put markets on notice, stating that the central bank faces a “challenging situation” as it balances the dual risks of a possible inflation rebound and a softening labor market. Speaking at an economics forum, Powell reiterated that the Fed’s current interest rate policy is “modestly restrictive,” a position that provides flexibility to address either threat without rushing into aggressive action. The Fed chair emphasized that the central bank’s commitment to price stability remains paramount. “We can’t leave that part of the goal unguarded,” Powell stated, acknowledging that while recent price spikes from tariffs might be temporary, the path of inflation remains uncertain. This ongoing vigilance explains why the Fed has taken a deliberate, cautious approach to easing monetary policy. The remarks follow the Fed’s first interest rate reduction since December, a move that has fueled market speculation. Futures markets are now pricing in expectations for two more quarter-point cuts by the end of the year, which would bring the benchmark lending rate to its lowest point since